The counter lean, or the busy mom equivalent of a break ⚐

See you in October!

After bedtime, I usually partake in *the counter lean.* I grab my phone and scroll, grateful to finally turn my brain off for a moment after the marathon that is 4-7 pm with kids 4 and under.

The counter lean is an intentional pause. An exhale. I’m pretty great at giving myself those little 5-10 minute breaks throughout the day before it is on to the next thing.

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What I am not great at is resting. I don’t wear this like a badge of honor, either. I’m not proud of it! I want to be the girl horizontal on the couch, rewatching Gilmore Girls (Team Logan) and online shopping. Instead, I can’t tell you the last time I sat and watched a show in its entirety.

In my defense, things have been a little crazy in our house for the last six months or so, but really, for the last four years. We’ve moved, had two kids, started and finished master’s degrees (both of us), and gotten new jobs.

It’s almost like I didn’t realize I was running so fast or why until recently, when I’ve felt an almost imperceptible shift: I’m no longer sprinting. Probably lightly jogging at least, but definitely not sprinting.

And listen, I hate running. In the words of Ann Perkins from Parks and Rec:

I am really proud that I have written and published every week for 35 weeks. I’m enjoying the challenge, the introspection, and the community on Substack.

That said, instead of continuing to jog, I will be pressing pause until October.

I’m hoping this pause will bring more sleep, less late nights. More reading, less scrolling. More creativity, less going through the motions—fresh ideas for the close of 2024.

Or at least one of those things. I’d definitely take that. 🙂

In a recent moment of pause (during a mom counter lean) I noticed how cute this corner was. It’s the boots for me.

I will be back in your inbox on October 3rd. Have a lovely September. 💌

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